- Home
- Departments
- Planning
- Farmland Preservation
Farmland Preservation
**WASHINGTON COUNTY
FARMLAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Established in 1994, the Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Program, also known as the farmland preservation program, purchases agricultural easements on productive farms in Washington County. Landowners retain private ownership of the property and may still use, lease, or sell the property. Any new owner shall abide by the terms of the easement which limits subdivision, non-agricultural development, and other uses inconsistent with commercial agriculture.
WASHINGTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION BOARD
The Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Board is comprised of seven volunteer members who serve three-year terms. Appointments to the Board are made by the Washington County Commissioners. Representation includes three active farmers, one elected municipal official, one builder, and two members-at-large, in accordance with state law. Current board members are Bill Iams, Chairman; Bob O’Brien, Vice Chairman; Jeremy Matinko, Treasurer; Bill Paxton; Wayne Hunnell; Earl Sadler; and Rich Shriver.
Meetings
- 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2023**
- 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2023
- 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023
- 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2023
- 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2023**
- 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2023**
- 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, 2023**
- 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 8, 2023
- 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2023
- 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2023
- 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2023
- 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Location: Washington County Conservation District 50 Old Hickory Ridge Road Washington, Pennsylvania 15301
Board meetings are open to the public.
** Meeting canceled
FUNDING
Funding for the program comes from both the County and State. Under the program, counties may allocate funding for the easement purchase program. By law, all the interest collected on clean and green rollback tax penalties must be designated for use by the county program. These funds receive a match from the State. Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is generated from cigarette taxes, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, and other sources.
PROGRAM STATUS
As of April 2023, the Agricultural Land Preservation Board has preserved 7,200 acres of farmland on 47 farms in Washington County. Statewide, there are 6,202 preserved farms in 58 participating counties: 624,277 acres total.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are due by September 30 for consideration the following year.
- Review the Washington County Farmland Preservation Policies and Bylaws for program criteria, minimum requirements, landowner responsibilities, etc.
- Download the Landowner Application Packet. Applications are also available at the Washington County Planning Commission.
- Submit completed Landowner Application Packet to:
Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Board c/o Washington County Planning Commission 100 W. Beau Street, Suite 701 Washington, Pennsylvania 15301
Contact Us
Caroline Sinchar
Planning Administrator
Washington County
Planning Commission
100 West Beau Street
Suite 701
Washington, PA 15301
(724) 228-6811